Looking for an awesome Android TV machine? Then go buy the NVIDIA SHIELD, because it's worth every penny that you pay over competitors like the Razer Forge TV and the original Nexus Player. But if you want one that's cheap, look no further than the Amazon listing for Google's first-party set-top box. Today the Nexus Player is $64.78, just over $35 off of the $100 retail price. Amazon Prime customers can get free two-day shipping as well.

The Nexus Player is far from ideal - its Intel-based hardware is poorly-optimized, so apps and games tend to be sluggish - but at the moment this deal is the only option for Android TV below $100. Strangely, Amazon is selling the first-party ASUS game controller for almost $60, $20 above the Google Store price for the same item. Standard Bluetooth controllers will also work on Android TV if you happen to have one handy.

This doesn't appear to be a limited sale, so the price for the Nexus Player might remain low for quite a while. The Nexus Player is compatible with the Android M Developer Preview, which adds support for Bluetooth A2DP audio streaming and external USB storage. At this price, those looking for non-Android alternatives should check out the Roku 2 (with a better media app selection, including Amazon Instant Video) or a refurbished Roku 3 (with a headphone jack in the remote).

Comments

I've been a staunch supporter of Android but have yet to make the jump in any of their TV offerings, save for Chromecast. This Nexus Player doesn't quite cut it yet either. The Roku 2 was fine and so I decided to upgrade to a Roku 3.

Here's hoping 3rd parties step up their game and really integrate a proper Android TV or at least make good set top boxes.

Pilz

The Shield Pro is a beast and the best Android TV out there. I have both the Nexus Player and the Nvidia in separates rooms in my house. Roku doesn't do what I want and the Nvidia can play some nice games like DOOM 3, Half Life 2 etc... which alone make it worth it in my book. I never liked my XBone and I for rid of it after less than a year because it was awful. I can't wait to see what Nvidia drops next year for their refresh.

I hated mine after a few months. The kinext was worthless and the lack of good games bothered me. I also don't like paying for live so I could use hulu untl they changed that. My Shield is way better. I have my XB360 solely for the stick fo truth. Old games are way better in my opinion.

Jennifer

Per-hour 50$ @androidpolice

>/

Inquizitor

You can't honestly expect anyone to believe that you prefer an Android TV box with 10+ year old games to an Xbox One...

Pilz

I do and I really sold my Xbone. New games are basically rehashes of older games anyway. I got tired of COD and other boring games so I prefer my shield as does my wife.

master94

Don't buy it. Spend a little more and get the shield. I have both (sold the nexus player) and the shield feels finished but the nexus player feels very beta

Pilz

I kept my Nexus Player since I bought it on launch and of never hurts to have a console in my bedroom with a gamepad. I agree that the Nexus Player isn't nearly as good but for $65 its not a bad deal.

bknets

I only use my Nexus player for Kodi and YouTube. Works great.

Robb Nunya

Or spend a little less and get a Fire Stick.

Pilz

I have 2 that I got for free and I despise them. They are slow, lqggy and can't keep a connection. I gave up on prime instant video and use sling/hulu/Netflix/Google play instead

Robb Nunya

Mine work great. I have 3, one I got free, 1 I got for $20, and one I paid full retail for. They game fairly well, can be side-loaded, and have a rock solid connection at my house.

Pilz

Both are mine must be bad then either way they collect dust in my spare cables drawer so no worries

Alex Xander

i think you mean $15 dollars off... this unit is no longer $99 as of 3 months ago..

Alex Xander

this thing is 2 levels above a Chromecast.. i'm gonna self price this thing at $45.. when it's at that price i'll get it. For now i'm going for something with an ethernet port...

Gio Rodz

Same thought here

patt

and yupp again lol you can do so much more even though I have forge tv which also has google cast. No brainer that chromecast is only good for nerds without any type of setop box with android,htpc etc...

patt

yupp it was 58$ for a while like 3 weeks ago,I caught it and amazon refunded me the difference :D

police..... < Start working at home with Google! It’s by-far the best job I’ve had. Last Wednesday I got a brand new BMW since getting a check for $6474 this - 4 weeks past. I began this 8-months ago and immediately was bringing home at least $177 per hour. I work through this link, < w­­­w­­­w.­­N­e­t­ca­sh­9.­­­C­­­o­­­m

C64

Bought a mxq tv box (quad core) and made a kodi box with it. Removed everything that i don't want on it (Gmail, contacts, gallery etc).

Must say it's a perfect box for kodi

rusma

Does anyone know if this runs the offical Android TV OS?

Abhilash Bingi

It's a Nexus, so yeah. You can even run the M preview if you're up for that!

police..... < Start working at home with Google! It’s by-far the best job I’ve had. Last Wednesday I got a brand new BMW since getting a check for $6474 this - 4 weeks past. I began this 8-months ago and immediately was bringing home at least $177 per hour. I work through this link, < w­­­w­­­w.­­N­e­t­ca­sh­9.­­­C­­­o­­­m